Jimmy Kimmel swapped his suit and late-night desk for a cardigan and a Christmas living room stage, sharing an important holiday message with British viewers: “Tyranny thrives here.”
On Thursday, Kimmel appeared on public television channel Channel 4 to make a statement. “An Alternative Christmas Message” counter-program to the British monarch's annual televised address.
Kimmel's message centered on his battle with President Trump, who rejoiced at the suspension of his talk show in September. Kimmel was benched for about a week after backlash over his comments about Charlie Kirk – and ominous threat Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission. Kimmel criticized MAGA supporters for trying to “score political points” after the murder of a conservative activist. He also mocked Trump bragging about renovating the White House ballroom after being asked about Kirk's death.
“You may have read in your colorful newspapers that the president of my country would like to shut me up because I don't adore him the way he likes to be adored,” he said. He explained the return of “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” to the “millions and millions of people” who fought to get him back on the air in the name of free speech.
“And because so many people spoke out, we're back. Our show is stronger than ever. We won, the president lost, and now I'm back on the air every night, giving the most powerful politician on Earth his due and well-deserved bullshit,” he said, referring to British slang for a reprimand. Earlier this month, Kimmel signed contract extension with ABC until May 2027.
Past hosts of the alternative Christmas message, which began in 1993, include Edward Snowden, Jesse Jackson and deepfake of Queen Elizabeth II.
During his speech, Kimmel called the president “King Donnie the 8th.” “We don't have a problem with your king, we just have a guy who thinks he's our king,” he said, apologizing for the state of America and its democratic institutions.
“Don’t give up on us,” Kimmel said. “We’re going through some hesitation right now, but we’ll get better.”
